Method and apparatus for recovery of metals with hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for recovering metals from metal-containing support materials such as mineral ores. In one embodiment, the metal may be separated from crushed support material or ore in a bioleaching lagoon by the action of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria under anaerobic conditions. The bioleached material is then pumped into a precipitation lagoon where hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria oxidize the metals under aerobic conditions. In another embodiment, metals may be directly biooxidized from a heap of the metal-containing support material having a hydrocarbon/oxygen injection system embedded therein. A water sprinkler system may be used to wet the heap while the hydrocarbon/oxygen injection system stimulates the growth of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria. The resulting effluent solution may be pumped or gravity fed to an aerobic precipitation lagoon where aerobic hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria are used to precipitate or otherwise deposit the metals onto a deposition material.

Description

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AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The technical effect of this patent is that it describes an improved method for making sure electronic devices are secure and can communicate with each other properly without being hacked or compromised. This involves using special techniques to verify the identity of different components within these devices and ensuring they work together seamlessly without any vulnerabilities.

Problems solved by technology

The technical problem addressed in this patent is the difficulty in bioleaching precious metal ores that are refractory, meaning they cannot be easily processed using conventional techniques. These ores contain high levels of metallic sulfides and organic carbonaceous matter that must be oxidized to release the encapsulated precious metal values and make them amenable to a leaching agent. Conventional biological methods using sulfur-oxidizing bacteria have limitations, such as nutrient access, air access, carbon dioxide access, and the generation of sulfuric acid and heat during the biooxidation process. The patent proposes a solution using butane-utilizing bacteria to remedy these issues and facilitate the bioremediation of pollutants.

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